signs, symptoms of colic in horses

Colic in horses is a leading cause of equine death. Horse colic requires immediate veterinary attention. Don't risk a horse from equine colic by postponing your veterinary call about horse colic!!

Common symptoms of colic in horses:

These are some of the most common signs of colic in horses:

The signs and symptoms of colic in horses can be subtle. Some of the following activities are normal equine behavior, but they are worth watching as they can be warning signs for equine colic too. A colicky horse might:

1. roll or thrash around repeatedly. (equine colic symptom)

2. get up and down repeatedly.(equine colic symptom)

3. be lying down in a pasture when all of the other horses are standing.(equine colic symptom)

4. nip at its belly, or kick at its belly with its hind leg repeatedly.(equine colic symptom)

5. repeatedly paw at the ground or stretch out as if it wants to urinate. (equine colic symptom)

6. curl up its upper lip repeatedly or turn its head to look at its stomach.(equine colic symptom)

7. appear droopy, with head down, and troubled or listless looking eyes.(equine colic symptom)

8. refuse to eat, or at least seem to have lost its appetite. (equine colic symptom)

9. have pale gums and pale inner eyelids. Most normal horses have pale pink gums and inner eyelids. If the horse's gums and eyelids look white or grayish, suspect problems.(equine colic symptom)

10. be sweaty, and have an elevated temperature. Most horses have a temperature of about 99-101 degrees farenheit. (equine colic symptom)

11. has trouble moving its bowels, or its droppings are less than usual, or different-runny, hard or small, etc. These can all indicate intestinal trouble or colic in horses. The horse may also try to urinate frequently. (equine colic symptom)

12. has swollen eyes and appear in distress.


If the horse shows signs or symptoms of equine colic, call your veterinarian. Be sure to give any relevant details.

While waiting for the vet to arrive, it is usually advisable to take away any grain from the horse. Some vets recommend that the horse be allowed water and hay or grass, but check with the vet before you give it these things or anything. Many veterinarians won't want you to give the horse any food at all. Be sure to ask before you offer feed.

Some vets recommend that you walk the horse till he or she gets there. Walking can often alleviate the intestinal pain of a colicky horse.

Here is a good link to look at to find out more about the symptoms, causes and treatments for colic in horses: http://www.liv.ac.uk/equinecolic/